Russia Honours Fallen Indian Pilot Namansh Syal With 'Missing Man' Tribute

Russia paid a deeply emotional tribute to Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who tragically lost his life in the crash of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on November 21. The renowned Russian Knights aerobatic team honoured the fallen pilot by performing the symbolic ‘Missing Man’ manoeuvre, a flight formation traditionally executed to commemorate aviators who die in the line of duty.

Describing the crash as an event “impossible to describe,” the Russian Knights said the tribute was dedicated “to the memory of brothers who did not return from their last flight.” Their gesture resonated globally, highlighting the bond and mutual respect shared among military aviation communities.

On Sunday, Wing Commander Syal’s mortal remains were brought to the Sulur Air Force Base in Tamil Nadu, where he was accorded full military honours. His wife, Wing Commander Afshan, delivered an emotional farewell salute while holding their six-year-old daughter, a moment that moved the nation. The remains were later taken to his native village in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, where he was cremated amidst patriotic chants and public grief.

His father, Jagan Nath Syal, said the country had lost an extraordinary talent. He revealed that his son was one of only four aerobatic pilots in India and was considered the best among his trainees. Syal met his future wife during his first posting in Pathankot, and the couple married in 2014.

Senior government officials, defence authorities, and political leaders attended the funeral to honour the pilot. The Indian Air Force described Syal as a “dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional” who served the nation with limitless passion and skill.

The Dubai Air Show crash marked the second Tejas accident in less than two years, the previous one occurring in March 2024 during the ‘Bharat Shakti’ exercise in Jaisalmer.